Image Forming Apparatus Secure External Function Settings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses in security mode lack flexibility in allowing external changes to function settings while maintaining high security levels, requiring manual intervention by maintenance staff and limited customization options for different customers.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a customer ID storage device, user interface, communication device, and control device that allows selective activation of customer IDs and command information, enabling external changes to function settings based on predefined security levels, with changeable and unchangeable command information stored separately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If security mode is activated to restrict external access and prevent unauthorized changes, then security level is improved, but flexibility in allowing external changes to function settings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The command information is segmented into two distinct types: changeable command information that permits external changes to function settings, and unchangeable command information that restricts such changes. This segmentation allows the system to selectively apply different security policies to different function settings, thereby maintaining high security levels while preserving necessary flexibility for authorized modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its security behavior based on the type of command information received. When changeable command information is received, the system permits external changes; when unchangeable command information is received, the system restricts changes. This dynamic approach enables the security mode to adapt to different operational requirements without compromising overall security.
2Reliability
If manual intervention by maintenance staff is required to change function settings, then security level is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service functionality by allowing automated reception and processing of command information from external devices. Changeable command information can be automatically applied without requiring manual intervention from maintenance staff, while the system itself manages security validation and setting changes, thereby improving operational efficiency while maintaining security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple firmware versions are created to provide customization options for different customers, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A single firmware version incorporates universal functionality to handle both changeable and unchangeable command information. The system can selectively apply different security policies and processing rules within the same firmware, eliminating the need for multiple customized firmware versions while still providing tailored functionality for different customers through the command information mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an activator, a command storage device and a controller. The activator activates a customer ID received by a UI, out of customer IDs stored in a customer ID storage device. The command storage device stores the activated customer ID in association with command information received by the UI. The controller changes a function setting of the image forming apparatus, according to the command information received from an external device, despite a security level being set to a high level, when function information included in the command information received from the external device via a communication device accords with the function information included in changeable command information stored in the command storage device.